Holiday movies were celebrated Saturday at Great Bend’s annual Home for the Holidays Parade. There was an homage to “Christmas Vacation” with Sunflower Electric vehicles lit up like the Griswold House, followed by movie character Clark Griswold’s tree-topped station wagon.

“The Polar Express” was represented more than once, including the Great Bend Humane Society’s version, “The Paw-ler Express,” featuring dogs available for adoption.

First United Methodist Church’s float was based on “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In the movie “Elf,” the four food groups for elves, as described by Buddy the Elf, are candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. Encounter Church’s float covered the four food groups and included a Nativity scene with the message, “Don’t forget the sweetest gift of all ... Jesus!”

The Grinch and Santa Claus were also featured.

According to Great Bend Public Relations Director Addison Crites, there were 38 parade entries. They originally planned for more than 40 but some dropped out due to the cold.

“We had a great turnout on Saturday, despite the cold weather and the brisk winds,” she reported. “Streets were lined and packed with cars and attendees down Main Street to watch our 38 parade entries. We did have to alter Santa’s traditional arrival into town that usually occurs via Rosewood’s carriage rides due to the safety of the horses, but Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way into downtown Great Bend via the Rosewood Dolly Trolley.

“Due to the cold weather, it drove lots of traffic to our Trail of Lights, where those visiting could stay nice and warm in their cars. According to the data our amazing GBHS Class of 1985 volunteers collected, we had 158 visitors between 6-8 p.m. at our Trail of Lights on Saturday.” 

Parade winners

Best Youth Group – Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 157

Best Private Entry – Iron Therapy 

Best Civic Group – Oxford House

Best Church Group — Seventh Day Adventist School

Best in Parade — Barton Community College

Best Theme — Encounter Church

Some people did stick around after the parade. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate were available before and after, provided by Parade Grand Marshal Mark Bitter. The Boy Scouts made smores and the ice skating rink opened. Mayor Cody Schmidt was out of town, so Santa Claus helped light the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.

Holiday happenings in Great Bend

Ice Skating in Jack Kilby Square

Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. through Dec. 21.

Golden Belt Model Railroad Display at 1405 Main

Thursdays and Fridays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. through Dec. 21.

The Dolly Trolley

Departs from Rosewood Bargain Barn evenings at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Dec. 30 (excluding holidays).

Santas Around the World at 1223 Main

Thursdays and Fridays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-6 p.m., through Dec. 21.

Trail of Lights

Nightly through Dec. 31. Enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas at Veterans Park, Wild Lights at Brit Spaugh Park and Lafayette Lights at Jack Kilby Square.